At a university with over 30,000 students, accidents and emergencies are almost inevitable on LSU’s campus. This makes it important that LSU students remain informed about how to respond to an emergency incident.
Campus officials encourages students to break the “silent” culture of not reporting crimes and concerns and to actively use university resources to promote a safer environment.
Multiple options exist when it comes to reporting both emergency and non-emergency incidents and concerns, ensuring LSU students receive timely assistance when they are in need.
If students find themselves in an active emergency, LSUPD Sgt. Marlon Hawkins reminds students to always call 911. This is the quickest, most efficient way for students to get help from law enforcement and emergency services.
For non-emergency situations, students can contact the LSUPD call line at 225-578-3231 or visit LSUPD’s Public Safety Building on 204 South Stadium Drive to report crimes in-person.
“LSUPD wants students to report incidents as soon as possible and directly to police,” Hawkins said.
Hawkins urges students to report crimes firsthand if they were victims or witnesses because officers can respond more quickly when they have timely and accurate information.
LSUPD’s non-emergency line and building operates 24/7, allowing for students to report incidents at any time of day.
The LSU Shield App also allows students to report non-emergency incidents through their phone. The app has many features, including two-way messaging with police, anonymous tipping and the option to share, photos or videos of suspicious activity or crimes. The app is meant to make reporting faster and easier on a cellular device, Hawkins said.
If students have concerns for themselves or their peers’ well-being that are not associated with crime, LSU also offers services to connect them with professionals to get assistance.
LSU Cares, a program through the Division of Student Affairs, connects students with resources when members of the LSU community, students and staff express concerns for their well-being.
Miranda Brown, assistant dean of LSU Cares, explained the office supports students who are experiencing any crisis, challenge or concern that may disrupt their academic journey.
“The top concerns have been wellness-related, which includes mostly mental health challenges,” Brown said. “Other challenges are students experiencing death in their families, injuries and other basic needs for insecurities.”
Each report, whether by a peer or the student themself, is assigned a case manager that provides each student with support and ways to get in contact if the student chooses to engage.
Aaliyah Wiggs, a junior mass communications major, utilized the LSU Cares program after a professor offered to submit a report on her behalf. She explained that the program gave her the support she needed to endure a high-workload semester.
She also added that LSU Cares gives professors a way to extend their care for students that they may not be able to help themselves.
Brown corroborated Wiggs’ experience, explaining that there are many campus resources for students.
“Students don’t have to suffer in silence,” Brown said. “We have a team of professionals ready to assist and provide resources and support to help students improve overall well-being and to be successful.”
